Phermonal Control of Biting Midges (Culicoides SPP).
Abstract
Crude extracts in hexane from female Culicoides melleus and C. variipennis were subjected to chemical fractionation and the many hydrocarbon compounds obtained, some of which are presumed sex pheromones, are being processed by mass-spectral analysis for determination of structure. Quantities of the cuticular hydrocarbons appear to differ little between the sexes. The capacity of female C. melleus to elicit sexual response from males was examined in relation to the age of the female. In combination with the age effect, two other factors were tested: whether the female was alive or dead (killed by freezing for 30 min immediately prior to use), and whether the females's wings were present or absent. Male response increased from the time of female emergence up to 2 days. Stimulation was at its greatest in females approximately 1-3 days old. From 3-5 days, response levels declined. Live females, whether with or without wings, were more stimulating than dead ones, and females with wings, whether alive or dead, produced more response than those without. The condition of the female lacking wings seemed, generally, to reduce male response more than the condition of the female being dead.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 28, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA113915
Entities
People
- D. A. Carlson
- J. R. Linley